Anna Hartz
For decades, Armenia has been closely tied to Russia through military, economic and political links.
That relationship has weakened sharply in recent years as Yerevan looks for new partners in Europe and beyond.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on August 24 that Armenia could soon begin the process of joining the European Union, according to the Kyiv Independent.
In the near future
Speaking to parliament, Pashinyan said the government may launch the process in the near future. He also said Armenia would hold a referendum on EU membership once the process gets underway.
“We may begin this process in the near future,” Pashinyan told lawmakers. He also referred to requests from Armenia’s partners in the Eurasian Economic Union.
Armenia formally moved toward EU membership in April 2025, when President Vahagn Khachaturyan signed a law supporting the start of the accession process. The law did not set a timetable for joining the bloc. It was presented as a reflection of the wishes of Armenian citizens.
The move is another sign of Armenia’s growing distance from Russia. Moscow has been Armenia’s traditional ally and has maintained close military and economic relations with Yerevan for years.
Relations have become much more difficult since the crisis over Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia has accused Russia of failing to provide enough support when Azerbaijan took control of the disputed region in 2024.
Since then, Pashinyan’s government has looked increasingly toward Western countries for support and new partnerships. Armenia has signed strategic partnership agreements with both Britain and France.
Russia is angry
The Kremlin has reacted angrily to the change in direction. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned about a possible “Ukrainian scenario” if Armenia continues moving closer to the EU.
Russia has also recalled its ambassador from Yerevan and threatened to end a 2013 agreement that allows Armenia to export natural gas and petroleum products to Russia without duties.
Armenia has also strengthened ties with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier this month that relations between Kyiv and Yerevan were becoming more constructive.
Pashinyan’s government has faced pressure from pro-Russian groups at home as well. Moscow has been accused of trying to interfere in Armenian politics.
Despite those tensions, Pashinyan’s Civil Contract Party won the parliamentary election in June. The result gave his government another mandate to pursue its foreign policy shift.
The possible EU bid marks a major change for Armenia. It could bring closer economic and political ties with Europe, but it is also likely to create further tension with Moscow.
